Dodson selected as Senior Companion for August

Mary Jane Dodson, of Rolla, was named Senior Companion of the Month during the monthly in-service meeting held Aug. 20 at the Golden Living Center in St. James.

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By Staff Reports

The Rolla Daily News - Rolla, MO

By Staff Reports

Posted Aug. 23, 2013 at 1:59 PM

By Staff Reports
Posted Aug. 23, 2013 at 1:59 PM

Mary Jane Dodson, of Rolla, was named Senior Companion of the Month during the monthly in-service meeting held Aug. 20 at the Golden Living Center in St. James.

The Golden Living Center provided lunch as well as door prizes and a fashion show.

As a Senior Companion, Dodson visits area residents in their homes each week to help them with basic household tasks and activities as well as assisting caregivers by providing respite.

Dodson grew up in Rolla and has two children and four grandchildren.

Before becoming a Senior Companion, she worked as a bookkeeper for 45 years at Sam’s Tire Service. After retiring, Dodson volunteered in 2004 with the Senior Companion program and has taught Sunday Bible school for 50 years.

In her spare time she enjoys her family, reading, music and her cat, Albert. Dodson enjoys volunteering as a Senior Companion. She enjoys making new friends and helping and learning from them.

As the Senior Companion of the Month, she received a floral arrangement donated by Blossom Basket Florist and the recognition of her fellow Senior Companions.

There are more than 70 senior citizen volunteers serving as Senior Companions all over Phelps County in private homes, residential care facilities and skilled nursing facilities.

Sponsored by the Phelps County Commission, the Corporation for National and Community Service, as well as several local groups and individuals, Senior Companions’ greatest work is to help their peers maintain the independence they have worked for all their lives.

If you know a Phelps County resident who might benefit from the services of a Senior Companion or would like more information about becoming a Senior Companion, call 573-458-6180 for further information.